Continuing education of owners and staff is essential in maintaining an active and up-to-date independent funeral home. Through OGR's educational and networking programs, members keep up on the latest trends and technologies, find solutions to problems, and share experiences and best practices with fellow independents, while earning state-required CEUs.

From the Annual Conference, to educational seminars, webinars and invitationals, OGR keeps members' needs, time and budgets in mind.

For details, click the links to the left or see below. For questions, contact Jessica A. Smith at Education Department, (800) 637-8030.

Annual Conference & Supplier ShowcaseNew ideas & formats in 2015OGR’s annual conference is the not-to-be missed event of the year. Through general and breakout sessions, structured and informal group discussions, the Supplier Showcase, and social networking events, members make valuable connections, discover new solutions and learn about current trends. Mark your calendar now for April 22 – 25, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. Go to Annual Conference >>

Fall ForumFocused education you needThe 2014 Fall Forum will take place in conjunction with NFDA’s International Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, IN on October 16-17. The Fall Forum provides members with education focused on the independent funeral home, and allows members to take advantage of the NFDA expo in one cost-effective trip! Go to Fall Forum >>

Regional Workshops - NEW for 2014!Meetings at the local levelRegional Workshops are hosted by OGR members and put together by OGR staff. They provide an opportunity for members to come together at the local level for a low cost. These full-day meetings include 4-5 CE hours, lunch, and a place for members to share best practices and camaraderie. Mark your calendar now for March 19 in Lawrenceville, GA, June 16 in Staten Island, NY, Sept. 1 in St. Louis, MO and August 7 in Pittsburgh, PA. See the website for more details.Go to Regional Workshops>>

WebinarsKeeping your staff currentOGR’s webinars are a convenient way to keep up on funeral service trends and conduct staff development. These 60-minute programs are suitable for owners, managers and staff. Some webinars are offered free of charge, while other’s registration fees allow an unlimited number of your staff to participate. All attendees are eligible for one continuing education credit, in states where approved. Go to webinars >>

InvitationalsMember-hosted special interest eventsInvitationals allow members to share personal interests at small group outings. Member-hosted invitationals have ranged from pheasant hunts to auto racing to fly fishing. Contact the Education Department if you are interested in hosting an invitational. Go to invitationals >>

Continuing EducationSatisfy licensing requirementsEarn continuing education credits to satisfy state licensing requirements when you attend OGR events such as the Annual Conference, Fall Forum or Webinars. Go to CEUs >> (CEUs for Webinars not available in all states.)

Study Groups Learning from each otherLaunched in 2012, OGR Study Groups are small, concentrated events where members help one another assess challenges, brainstorm solutions and offer feedback that can make their funeral home more successful. Contact the Education Department if you are interested in hosting a study group.To see more information on study groups, Go to study groups >>

Mentoring Program Knowledge sharing for the next generationRegardless of how many years of experience a funeral professional has, he or she can always learn new ways to keep pace with rapid changes in funeral service. OGR’s Mentoring Program is now available to pair members experienced in business, finance, creative funeral arrangements, social media, embalming and funeral home innovation with those interested in learning more about these subjects (called Peers). Mentors and Peers are matched according to interests. Go to Mentoring Program >>